#image_title
0
0
Catamount Basketball Drops Season Opener to Cincinnati
CINCINNATI — The Western Carolina men’s basketball team showed plenty of heart on opening night despite falling 94–63 to Cincinnati at Fifth Third Arena. The final score may suggest a blowout, but the performance told a different story.
After trailing by 21 at halftime, the Catamounts clawed back and kept the second half competitive against one of the Big 12’s top programs. It was a gritty, confident effort from a team that never stopped battling — one that offered plenty of optimism for the season ahead.
Stansberry Shines, Kell Nearly Records Double-Double
Senior guard Cord Stansberry led Western Carolina with an impressive all-around performance, scoring efficiently and showing veteran composure against an athletic Bearcats defense. He was joined in double figures by Marcus Kell and Julian Soumaoro, both of whom found success attacking from the perimeter.
Kell nearly posted a double-double, finishing just one rebound shy. As a team, the Catamounts shot 33.3% from beyond the arc while holding Cincinnati to 35.7%, a testament to their defensive discipline on the perimeter.
Perhaps the most encouraging stat of the night: WCU out-rebounded Cincinnati 37–36, including 14 offensive boards that led to 10 second-chance points. All but two players who saw minutes grabbed at least one rebound, showing the collective effort and physicality that kept Western Carolina in the fight.
Turnovers and Fouls Prove Costly
Despite the positives, the Catamounts couldn’t overcome a series of self-inflicted mistakes. Twenty-two turnovers turned into 26 Bearcat points, often halting promising offensive possessions. Cincinnati also exploited transition opportunities, scoring 16 fast-break points as Western struggled to get back on defense.
Discipline became another obstacle. The Catamounts committed 23 fouls, sending the Bearcats to the line 30 times. Cincinnati capitalized, hitting 20 of 30 free throws to extend the lead and put the game out of reach.
The good news? Those are fixable issues. “Turnovers and fouls are in our control,” head coach Justin Gray said postgame. “The effort was there — now it’s about tightening up the details.”
Building Blocks for What’s Ahead
For all the frustration in the box score, there’s real optimism surrounding this Western Carolina team. Stansberry and Soumaoro give the Catamounts reliable perimeter shooting, while Kell anchors the paint with rebounding and inside presence.
If Western can clean up its turnovers and improve transition defense, it has the firepower to hang with any team in the Southern Conference. The ingredients are there — now it’s about consistency.
Next Up: Duke Awaits
Western Carolina stays on the road this weekend for a marquee matchup at No. 6 Duke inside iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils bring a loaded roster and one of the toughest atmospheres in college basketball, giving the Catamounts another major test before SoCon play begins.
Tip-off is set for 1:30 p.m. Saturday, just an hour before Catamount football faces Mercer for homecoming in what many are calling a de facto SoCon championship game.
Pulling off a basketball upset at Duke and a football win over Mercer on the same afternoon would be the stuff of Cullowhee legend. Stranger things have happened — especially in college sports.
About the Author
